On November 13, 2024, the International Cooperation and Exchange Center of Shangqiu University successfully hosted its annual International Student Orientation Day and Buddy Program launch ceremony. The event aimed to help newly enrolled international students adapt to campus life more smoothly while building bridges of friendship between Chinese and international students through the Buddy Program, promoting cultural exchange.

During the orientation, international students from around the world gathered together, where university leaders extended a warm welcome and introduced the school’s educational resources, academic environment, and vibrant extracurricular activities. Additionally, the university organized a series of cultural experiences, including calligraphy demonstrations, tea art performances, and traditional music appreciation, allowing the international students to immerse themselves in the charm of Chinese culture.

Following the orientation, the Buddy Program was officially launched, pairing each international student with a Chinese student as a one-on-one learning partner. This initiative not only helps improve the international students’ Chinese language proficiency but also enables them to integrate more quickly into academic and daily life in China. The Chinese buddies will provide academic guidance and life assistance to their international counterparts, while also participating together in various cultural and social practice activities.

Shangqiu University has long been committed to building an open, inclusive, and multicultural international education platform. The International Student Orientation and Buddy Program represent key initiatives by the university to advance global exchange and cooperation, as well as a concrete effort to cultivate applied talents with a global perspective.